Quiett to run for DePaul

December 26, 2006|TIM CREASON Tribune Correspondent

Mary Cate Quiett hopes to be an outstanding collegiate track and field athlete. But running fast really has little to do with the Marian High School senior's decision to attend DePaul University. "They do a lot of community outreach and have a lot of social service programs that students can be involved with. I'm really excited about that," says Quiett, who ended a lengthy recruiting process by signing an NCAA letter of intent to run track and cross country for the Blue Demons, starting next fall. "Another thing is, DePaul is in the heart of Chicago, and I want to be exposed to lots of different cultures and backgrounds," says Quiett. "It's hard to think of a better place for that." A three-time All-State runner in track -- and twice an All-Stater in cross country -- Quiett will add considerable strength to the DePaul distance corps. That's a high priority for new head coach Pat Savage. The Blue Demons finished 14th at the Big East women's cross country championships last fall. Besides Quiett, DePaul also signed an outstanding female distance runner from the Chicago area, Stephanie Hughes of Lane Tech. Quiett considered Marquette University and the University of Indianapolis before accepting a scholarship offer from the Blue Demons. Her religion had a lot to do with it, as did the urban location. "I want to attend a Catholic school, and I also want to be in a big city because I know it will be so different from (Mishawaka)," said Quiett. "There is a guy in my neighborhood who ran for DePaul, and he told them about me a couple years ago. They've been calling me for quite a while." A visit to DePaul's campus the same weekend as the Chicago Marathon settled the issue in Mary Cate's mind. "I came back thinking, 'I just don't see how there could be a better fit,'" said Quiett, who intends to study pre-med. "I feel very good about my decision." The Blue Demons feel pretty good about it, too. Quiett is Indiana's defending state runner-up in the 800-meter run and a leading contender for the girls state title in that event this spring. She owns Marian's school record in the 400-meter dash (:58.14) and 800-meter run (2:13.73). She also anchored the Knights' 4 x 800-meter relay that finished fourth at state last year, and the state finalist 4 x 400 squad as well. Strangely enough, despite her accomplishments, Quiett may leave high school best known for a race she didn't run. As a sophomore, Quiett qualified for the IHSAA girls state cross country finals. However, she received statewide attention when she chose to skip that meet due to a religious commitment she had made to her church. As a junior, Quiett erased any memories of that event when she raced to an eighth place finish at the state meet, finishing far higher than anyone expected. Quiett credits former Marian state champion Megan Flynn with helping her gain a great work ethic. Quiett, a two-time Northern Indiana Conference MVP in both cross country and track, has high hopes of winning a state title of her own this spring. "I'm going to work as hard as I can to get there," she said. Unlike many athletes, however, she will not lose sleep if that doesn't occur. "As long as I do the best I possibly can in track, I'll be happy," Quiett said. "I've got a lot of other things I want to do, also."